Sleeping car construction



Jilly'27, 1937. I-YLCQBIERMAN SLEEPING CAR CONSTRUCTION Filed July so,1952 2 Sh eets Sheet 1 A TT OR/VE Y July 27, 1937. I H. c; BIERMAN2,087,954

SLEEPING CAR CONSTRUCTION Filed. July 30, 19s; 2 She ets-Sheet 2 UNITEDSTATE FATE r ori ice SLEEPING CAR CONSTRUCTION Harry 0. Bierman, NewRochelle, Y.

Application July 30, 1932, Serial No. 626,742

29 Claims.

This invention relates to sleeping car construction, more particularlythat type of sleeping car which contains sections, that is, a unit oftwo seats which may be converted into an upper and a lower berth.

In cars of this type, which have been standard up to the presentinvention, the upper berth was so located and arranged that passengersdid not find it at all desirable and they would not gen erally occupysuch berth unless compelled to do so by their inability to obtain alower berth. By reason thereof it required. practically double thenumber of cars to carry the passengers, entailing large and otherwiseunnecessary expenditures, such as additional porters, excess equipment,

more wear and tear on the same, greater power consumption, and otherimportant maintenance costs. The operators of such cars have recognizedthe serious defects in the situation and have attempted to overcome themby various expedients.

Upper berths have been offered to passengers at a very much lowercostthan normal, but nevertheless very few passengers considered itdesirable to occupy the upper berth in spite of the relatively largesaving. It has also been proposed to allow the passenger occupying alower berth to have the entire section, including the upper berth, at asmall added cost, but in this case also only a comparatively fewpassengers were willing to pay the extra charge. As a result the upperberth brought in very little revenue and it may be said that theyconstituted a loss of revenue because they were so seldom occupied.

I have made an exhaustive study of the matter and have concluded thatthe fault lay in the construction of the section and the presentinvention, therefore, contemplates important changes in andmodifications of sleeping car construction. Incidentally the sleepingcar section in use prior to the present invention is, in principle andmain features, not materially different from the first constructionswhich came into use over seventy years ago.

My invention contemplates such changes as will render an upper berthmuch more desirable than the lower berth in the cars of the prior art. Ihave improved not only the upper but also the lower berth, in keepingwith the upper, so that both berths are highly desirable to thepassengers. While my invention comprises a series of improvements invarious features, one of the principal features resides in the loweringof the madeup berths so as to render them much more easily accessible tothe passengers, and particularly it renders the upper berth accessiblewithout the aid of a ladder. Another important feature is theelimination of the old, unsanitary curtains which seldom remained intheir proper places, and the substitution therefor of devices: which arepositive in their action and which assure complete privacy in the berth.Various other important features of berth construction are contemplatedby my invention, and these are set forth below.

In practicing my invention, I lower the level of the upper berth. Wherasin the old construction the level was about five feet above the floor, Iplace it less than four feet above the floor, and usually about 3'8" or3'9" 'so that the passenger may be enabled to enter the upper berthwithout the use of a ladder which was necessary in theiold construction.Instead of suspending the same from above, I cause it to rest upon andpreferably be secured to the top of the seat backs. This gives solidityand security to the berth, eliminates 20 vibration, and avoids thenecessity for unsightly devices for holding it in place. The lower berthis lowered to the extent that the seat cushions which constitute thesame are placed on the floor or 1 to 2" above the same so that whenfully 25 made up the passenger sleeps about one foot or more above thefloor. In the sides of the seats I provide footholds of suitable numberand design, usually one or two in each side so that the passenger maywithout assistance step into the upper berth. The lowered position ofthe lower berth is highly desirable in that air entering an open windowdoes not create a draft on the passenger but provides an adequatecirculation above the passenger. It also appeals to various persons,particularly women, who find it easier to enter and leave the lowerberth. The head-room in the lower berth is approximately the same as inthe old construction and may be made greater.

The head-room in the upper berth is muchj greater than previously andthe ventilation therein is improved. Because the berth is lower, it maybe fitted with windows at such a level that the passenger sitting in bedmay look out of the same. This has a remarkable psychological ef- 45feet as it gives the passenger a sense of freedom and eliminates thethought that ventilation is defective.

According to the present invention each of the berths its provided withmeans replacing the old, loose curtains which insure privacy therein,and which at the same time allow adequate ventilation without drafts. Inthe lower berth, the upper portions of the sides of the seats areprovided with sliding panels adapted to be pulled out substantiallyflush with the forward edges of the lower portions of said sides. Theapproximately rectangular opening thus provided is closed by a rollershade fixed in the upper berth and adapted to be pulled down by thepassenger and fastened in place.

The upper berth is provided with a tubular member containing two rollershades, usually but not necessarily of unequal width. Said member isheld in position on the side panels of the section and is prevented frombeing accidentally displaced by a strap, preferably elastic, passingover the member and secured to the lower berth. The larger of the rollershades is secured to the berth at the time it is made up and theremaining opening is closed by the passenger when he retires and pullsthe smaller shade down into place. The strap is located between theroller shades and provides means for closing the space between them andof keeping them in alinement. The edges of each of the shades of bothberths fit in grooves in the adjacent parts thus holding them rigidly inplace. The rigidity may be increased by making the shades of materialwhich is quite stiff transversely but flexible longitudinally.

To make more convenient the handling of the passengers shoes, I providea pocket therefor in an upper and the lower shade, preferably near thebottom thereof, and a slit in the shade allows the removal andreplacement of the shoes from outside of the berth. There is thus nopossibility of a mistake between passengers shoes and they areconveniently located for all concerned.

Because of the use of roller shades which are fully protected from dirtand mishandling both in use and during storage, it becomes possible forthe first time to make the shades of delicate tints, of elaboratedesigns and of fine and expensive materials. The cars may be decoratedharmoniously and thus be made more attractive.

In order to provide ample space for the storage of unused baggage thereis provided a construction of cushion and seat which is highlyadvantageous. The seat back cushions, which are used to provide the headand the foot of the made-up berth, have shallow or flat springs justbelow the upper surface thereof so that a considerable space is leftbetween the springs and the floor, sufficient for the storage ofbaggage, when the berth is made up. In some cases it is desirable tohave the foot of the seat moved forward to practically the front edgethereof and the side of the seat may be cut away for the same purpose.

In the old construction fabric hammocks were provided in the berth forholding the passengers clothes after retiring. These hammocks wereusually so twisted as to render it difficult to place clothes therein.In any case, it was impossible to place clothes therein withoutwrinkling thereof. I provide a different type of hammock which includesa frame, such as of metal or wood, across which is secured a fabricnetting. Thisallows clothes to be placed thereon neatly and there is nodanger of the same becoming wrinkled. In the upper berth my new hammockis usually hinged to the wall and in the lower berth it is usuallyprovided with extended portions adapted to be slipped into place inslots ordinarily provided for holding a table.

These and other features of my invention have resulted in a general andan important improvement in sleeping car construction.

In the accompanying drawings constituting a part hereof and in whichlike reference characters indicate like parts.-

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a section,

some parts being shown in cross-section and other parts being shownbroken away for clearness;

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view of a section with some parts omittedfor the sake of clearness;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a hammock of the upper berth;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in cross-section takenalong the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the lines 55 ofFig. l and Fig. 4, and

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line65 of Fig. 1.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1, lines I and 2 designate the sides ofthe section and may be considered as being the panels which ordinarilyseparate adjacent sections. Each of the seats 3 has an upper portion 4and a lower extended portion 5, the latter having an arm-rest 6 thereon.The top of the seat is designated by numeral 1. 'A foot 8 is placedsubstantially at the forward portion of the seat and the height 9thereof is suflicient so that package iii may be inserted under theseat. Foot-holds i I, two in number, although more or less may be used,are formed in line with the panels i and 2 of the section and providemeans for the passenger entering the upper berth. A slidable panel [2 isprovided and when not in use is slid back into position I3 withinportion l of the seat. A groove is is provided in portion 5. A set ofwindows !5 and it are provided, as is well known.

The upper berth I! is pivoted at H and the forward end thereof restsupon the tops 1 of the seats and is secured thereto by a suitable look,not shown. A roller I8 carrying a. shade I9 is secured in the frontportion of berth H and when in use the edges thereof fit into grooves inpanels l2. A hook 2! in shade I9 is adapted to engage with an eye 22 ona seat cushion. At the lower end of the shade is a shoe pocket 23 formedof a piece of elastic fabric 24 secured to the shade by stitching 25. Aslit 26 in the cushion allows access to the pocket from the outside.Generally the pocket is made of elastic. material so that when it isempty the fabric 24 lies closely against shade l9 and thus does notinterfere with the rolling of the shade into roller 58.

Seat cushions 21 having short feet 28 are placed on the floor andconstitute a central portion of the lower berth. They contain. coilsprings 29 and padding 30 thereover. Back-rest cushions are placed asshown at 3| to complete the ends of the lower berth. They include fiatsprings 32 placed near the top thereof and padding 33 covers the same.The cushions 3| rest upon short brackets 34 formed in the structure asis well known, so as not to interfere with the placing of baggage underthe seat, and extending within cushion 3!. Such a cushion which isrelatively shallow and which allows a sufficient space so that baggagemay he slipped under the same as shown in Fig. l, is termed a hollowcushion. A mattress 35 completes the lower berth.

A frame 36 having an open fabric mesh 31 is provided with tongues 38adapted to fit into the ordinary slots 39 and thus be locatedtemporarily in place. A light fixture 43 is provided and the head-restcushion H remains in its ordinary position.

In the upper berth a roller 42 has its ends 43 and 44 slipped intosuitable recesses in panels I and 2 respectively and are there heldloosely in position. Roller 42 carries a relatively wide shade 45 and arelatively narrow shade 46. A series of hooks 41 on said shades allowsthe same to be hooked onto rod 48 secured to berth l1 and there be heldin operative position. Panel is provided with a groove 49 in which theedge of shade 45 is held, and panel 2 is provided with a groove 50 inwhich the edge of shade 45 is held. A strap 5! of fabric preferablyelastic, in part at least, is formed into a loop- 52 which passes overroller 42 and is held in place by a button 53. The principal parts 54thereof are held together by a central line of stitching 55. Thisprovides two pockets in which the free edges of shades 45'and 46 areheld. A hook 55 at the extreme lower end of strap 5| is secured on rod48.

A'pair of Windows 51 and 58 are placed at a height approximating theheight of the passenger when sitting in bed and are approximately inalinement with windows l5 and I5 respectively. Windows 5'! and 58 areformed in a vertical portion of the car body. The hammock for the upperberth consists of a frame 59 of metal or wood or the like, having anopen mesh fabric 6|] secured therein and a pair of hinges Bl and 62secure the same to the side of the car. Depending flanges 63 and 64serve to hold the hammock in horizontal position when in use.

From the above description it is clear that I have provided numerousimprovements in sleeping car section construction and that manyconveniences and advantages are afforded thereby. In addition to thoseenumerated above, it will be apparent that a section constructed asherein set forth is less expensive to make and is much easier tooperate. The Work of making up and taking down the beds is muchsimplified and it can now be performed in a fraction of the timepreviously necessary. 7

Although I have described my invention setting forth a single embodimentthereof, the invention is not limited to the details herein described.Many changes in details of construction, arrangement of parts, omissionof elements, and addition of further elements. may be made within thescope of the invention. For instance, I may add in the upper berth aremovable or a hinged seat which may be secured to the wall of the caror to one of the panels, whereby a passenger may be seated whiledressing. In order to raise berth I1, I may provide a coil springsecured to the side of the car and to the berth in such a position asnot to be readily visible and which will serve to hold the berth downwhen desired, and to pull it up into closed position at the proper time.I may provide pivoted lever arms for the cushions 2B and 3| so that theymay be raised and lowered into their various positions with very littleeffort. These and other changes 'may be made in the details ofconstruction of my invention within the scope thereof. The invention isnot to be limited except by the claims appended hereto.

It is, of course, understood that my invention is not limited in thefield of use and that it may be incorporated in various types ofvehicles, such as ships, busses, aircraft, rail cars, and the. like. Itis even suitable for use in stationary structures. Therefore, the termsleeping car as used in the claims is to be construed in a broad senseto in clude all of these fields. By the term upper outer edge of theupper berth I mean that edge of the berth which is at the entrance sideof the -berth when it is made up for sleeping purposes.

What I claim is:

1. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, thesides of said seats having a lower portion and an upper portion narrowerthan said lower portion, panels in. said upper portions adapted to bepulled out and grooves in the edges of said panels, an upper berth, aroller curtain secured thereto and adapted to fit into said grooves.

2. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facback and bottomcushions on, said seats, said I cushions when arranged horizontally as aberth being on a lower level than the cushions when arranged as seatsand being in proximity to the floor of said car, the upper surface ofsaid cushions being on a substantially horizontal plane to form a berth,the center cushions being supported from the floor and the end cushionsfrom the seat structure.

4. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, thebacks of said seats con 0 stituting walls of said section, an upperberth held in the closed position at a point above the said backs andwhen in use being adapted to be directly secured to and contacting withan integral portion of said backs, the height of said upper berth whenready for occupancy being sufficiently low so that the need for a ladderis obviated.

5. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, thebacks of said seats constituting walls of said section, an upper berthhinged to the wall of said car at a'point above the said backs and whenin use being adapted to be directly secured to and contacting with anintegral portion. of said backs, the height of said upper berth whenready for occupancy being sufficiently low sothat the need for a ladderis obviated.

6. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other andcooperating to form a sleeping compartment, the sides of said seatshaving a lower portion and an upper portion narrower than said lowerportion, and panels in said upper portions adapted to be pulled out toform front walls for said berth.

7. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other andcooperating to form a sleeping compartment, the sides of said seatshaving a lower portion and an upper portion. narrower than said lowerportion, and panels in said upper portions adapted to be pulled outflush with said lower portion to form front walls for said berth.

8. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other andcooperating to form a sleeping compartment, the sides of said seatshaving a lower portion and an upper portion narrower than said lowerportion, panels in said upper portions adapted to be pulled out to formfront walls for said berth, grooves in the edges of said panels andmeans fitting into said grooves adapted to complete said Walls.

9. In a sleeping car having a section, seats therein facing each otherand an upper berth secured to said car and adapted to cooperate withsaid seats to form two sleeping compartments, the

improvement which comprises a roller carrying at least one shade securedabove said upper berth along the upper outer edge thereof.

10. In a sleeping car having a section, seats therein facing each otherand an upper berth secured to said car and adapted to cooperate withsaid seats to form two sleeping compartments,

the improvement which comprises a roller carry ing at least one shadesecured above said upper berth along the upper outer edge thereof and astrap secured to said roller and said berth.

11. In a sleeping car having a section, seats therein facing each otherand an upper berth secured to said car and adapted to cooperate withsaid seats to form two sleeping compartments, the improvement whichcomprises a roller carrying shades secured above said upper berth alongthe upper outer edge thereof and a strap secured to said roller and saidberth at the junction of two' shades.

12. In a sleeping car having a section, seats therein facing each otherand an upper berth secured to said car and adapted to cooperate withsaid seats to form two sleeping compartments, the improvement whichcomprises a roller carrying shades secured above said upper berth alongthe upper outer edge thereof and a grooved strap secured to said rollerand said berth at the junction of two shades, and grooves in the sidesof said section, whereby the respective edges of said shades rest insaid grooves and said strap.

13. In a sleeping car, a section, an upper berth therein hinged to awall thereof, the form of said berth being such that when opened theplane thereof is below a horizontal plane passing through the hinge.

14. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein adapted tobe convertedinto a berth, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats, saidcushions being arranged as a berth in horizontal alinement and beingsupported in said section on a lower level than the cushions: whenarranged as seats: and being in proximity to the floor of said car, theupper surface of said cushions being on a substantially horizontal planeto form a berth.

15. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein adapted to be convertedinto a berth, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats, saidcushions being arranged as a berth in horizon-,

tal alinement and being supported in said section on a lower level thanthe cushions when arranged as seats and being in proximity to the floorof said car, the upper surface of said cushions being on a substantiallyhorizontal plane to form a berth and an upper berth in said sectionabove said seats, said upper berth forming part of the enclosure for thelower berth.

16. In a sleeping car, asection, seats therein adapted to be convertedintoa berth, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats, saidcushions being arranged as a berth in horizontal alinement and beingsupported in said section on a lower level than the cushions whenarranged as seats and being in proximity to the floor of said car, theupper surface of said cushions being on a substantially horizontal planeto form a berth, an upper berth in said section above said seats adaptedtobe placed in a substantially horizontal plane, said upper berthforming part of the enclosure for the lower berth.

17. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein adapted to be convertedinto a berth, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats, saidcushions being arranged as a berth in horizontal alinement and beingsupported in said section on a lower level than the cushions whenarranged as seats and being in proximity to the floor of said car, the:upper surface of said cushions. being on a substantially horizontalplane to formv a berth, an upper berth in said section above said seatsadapted to be placed in a substantially horizontal plane not over fourfeet from said floor, said upper berth forming part of the enclosure forthe lower berth.

18. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein adapted to be convertedinto a berth, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats, saidcushions: being arranged as a berth in horizontal alinement and beingsupported in said section on a lower level than the cushions whenarranged as seats and being in proximity to the floor of said car, theupper surface of said cushions being on a substantially horizontal planeto form a berth, an upper berth in said section above said seats adaptedto be placed in a substantially horizontal plane and adapted to besecured to the ends of said seats, said upper berth forming part of theenclosure for the lower berth.

19. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein adapted to be convertedinto a berth, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats, saidcushions being arranged as a berth in horizontal alinement and beingsupported in said section on a lower level than the cushions whenarranged as seats and being in proximity to the floor of said car, theupper surface of said cushions being on a substantially horizontal planeto form a berth,

car, the upper surface of said cushions being on a substantiallyhorizontal plane to form a berth, at least one of the end cushions beingshallow and adapted to allow baggage to be placed thereunder when saidcushions are in proximity to said floor, the supporting foot of thesides of at least one of said seats being sufficiently forward to permitbaggage to be slipped under said end cushions.

21. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein adapted to be convertedinto a berth, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats, saidcushions being arranged as a berth inhorizontal alinement and beingsupported in said section on a lower level than the'cushions whenarranged as seats and being in proximity to the floor of said car, theupper surface of said cushions being on a substantially horizontal planeto forma berth, a window in said section, said berth being a substantialdistance below the lower edge of said window.

22. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein adapted to be convertedinto a berth, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats, saidcushions being arranged as a berth in horizontal alinement and beingsupported in said section on a lower level than the cushions whenarranged as seats and being in proximity to the floor of said car, theupper surface of said cushions being on a substantially horizontal planeto form a berth, an upper berth in said section above said seats andmeans for lowering the same into a substantially horizontal plane and awindow in said upper berth, said upper berth forming part of theenclosure for the lower berth.

23. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, ahinged upper berth adapted to cooperate with said seats to form twosleeping compartments, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats,the top of said cushions being arranged as a berth in horizontalalinement and being supported in said section on a lower level than thetop of said cushions when arranged as seats and being in proximity tothe floor of said car to form a lower berth.

24. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, ahinged upper berth adapted to cooperate with said seats to form twosleeping compartments, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats,the top of said cushions being arranged as a berth in horizontalalinement and being supported in said section on a lower level than thetop of said cushions: when arranged as seats and being in proximity tothe floor of said car to form a lower berth, at least one of the endcushions being shallow and adapted to allow baggage to be placedthereunder when said cushions are in. proximity tosaid floor.

25. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, ahinged upper berth adapted to cooperate with said seats to form twosleeping compartments, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats,the top of said cushions being arranged as a berth in horizontalalinement and being supported in said section on a lower level than thetop of said cushions when arranged as seats and being in proximity tothe floor of said car to form a lower berth, at least one of the endcushions being shallow and adapted to allow baggage to be placedthereunder when said cushions are in proximity to said floor, thesupporting foot of the side of said seats being sufficiently forward topermit baggage to be slipped under said end cushions.

26. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, ahinged upper berth adapted to cooperate with said seats to form twosleeping compartments, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats,the top of said cushions being arranged as a berth in horizontalalinement and being supported in said section on a lower level than thetop of said cushions when arranged as seats and being in proximity tothe floor of said car to form a lower berth, said upper berth beinglowered so that the customary vertical spacing of the berths ismaintained.

27. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, ahinged upper berth adapted to cooperate with said seats to form twosleeping compartments, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats,the top of said cushions being arranged as a berth in horizontalalinement and being supported in said section on a lower level than thetop of said cushions when arranged as seats and being in proximity tothe floor of said car to form a lower berth, at least one window in theside wall of said upper berth, said window being covered by said berthwhen the latter is in the closed position.

28. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein facing each other, ahinged upper berth adapted to cooperate with said seats to form twosleeping compartments, removable back and bottom cushions on said seats,the top of said cushions being arranged as a berth in horizontalalinement and being supported in said section on a lower level than thetop of said cushions when arranged as seats and being in proximity tothe floor of said car to form a lower berth, at least one window in theside wall of said upper berth, said window being covered by said berthwhen the latter is in the closed position, said window being fixed.

29. In a sleeping car, a section, seats therein adapted to be convertedinto a berth, an upper berth adapted to cooperate with said seats toform two sleeping compartments, a roller carrying a shade above at leastone of said berths, a shoe pocket on said shade and an opening in saidshade allowing access to said pocket.

HARRY C. BIERMAN.

